‘Interest is there for sure’… Fabrizio Romano Confirms Man united wanting to sign ‘exceptionally unusual’ £80m Everton star player

‘Interest is there for sure’… Fabrizio Romano Confirms Man united wanting to sign ‘exceptionally unusual’ £80m Everton star player

Manchester United are still assessing centre-back transfer targets ahead of a summer move to add at least one defender.

An injury-hit and ageing backline has made it absolutely imperative that Manchester United strike a deal for at least one new centre-back this summer.

As for who it might be, one name who has been prominently linked is Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

Branthwaite was recently called into the England squad, although didn’t make his debut, and is left-footed, a position where United could need cover for Lisandro Martinez.

Fabrizio Romano on Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite has been prominently linked with a move to Manchester United, with The Mirror reporting he tops the list of targets.

In a Q&A with The United Stand on YouTube, Fabrizio Romano was quizzed whether Branthwaite is a genuine target, or if the rumours are just ‘paper talk’.

He responded: “The interest is there, for sure. Man United are waiting to understand what’s going to be the final price tag, its not clear from Everton, its the same with other players.

“He’s one of the players they appreciate for that position and then it will be decided based on budget, based on the manager situation, there are many factors before saying ‘ok this is the top target for the centre-back position’, but Branthwaite is one of the names they appreciate.”

He was in the team again at the weekend as they beat Nottingham Forest 2-0, keeping a clean sheet with a towering display.

Branthwaite was subsequently praised by former Chelsea man Pat Nevin in his BBC Football Extra newsletter, who discussed his unique qualities.

He wrote: “Amidst the madness one player seemed to grow in stature and composure, Jarrad Branthwaite. This was no easy task at the centre of a back line that looked shell shocked last Monday, but he was coolness personified.

“I have likened Cole Palmer to a younger Kevin de Bruyne, but I will resist comparing Branthwaite to Virgil van Dijk just yet but, as 21 there are very few around that look to have his abilities as an all-round defender. This is exceptionally unusual at this age for this position.

“Top clubs are either keenly watching his meteoric progress or preparing a huge bid. Any decent offer will be almost impossible to turn down by my old cash-strapped club, however much the Evertonian’s want to say “mind your own business and leave our best player alone.”